Life is about love. We experience it in so many incredible ways. We find our one true love, and then we experience something else nothing like it, but just as bold when we have our first child. I have watched this sweet family love each other from Joey’s first breath, and for the last 3 1/2 years. I’m waiting in great anticipation for the arrival of the next member of their tribe…

I’m so looking forward to the next step in this amazing journey, L Family!

The definition of “normal” has narrowed so severely that it has all but disappeared. We expect everyone to be the same. Be “average”.

This project has been a lifetime in the making. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve watched the definition of “normal” shrink to the point that people are trying to stuff everyone else into their boxes of what is considered acceptable, and these boxes are getting smaller and smaller. As they do, the crowd of those who no longer “fit” gets bigger. The elite few who can check all the requirements off the list of “how to be” or “how to look” escape the bullying and judgement that others are subjected to. Are the elite the bullies? No. Bullies are everywhere. But this is not just about bullying. It’s about who we medicate. It’s about what we talk about. It’s about our relationships. It’s about who we really are in the eyes of the Creator.

Am I generalising? Yes.

This is a generalized epidemic in American culture today.

I hope to explode the boundaries and fences of “normal” and “beautiful” and “acceptable” with my subjects. Some of them have felt “not normal.” Others haven’t. I’m not going to be discriminatory as I explore this topic, otherwise I’d be imposing my own definitions of normal and abnormal. I’m hoping to seek out those people who have felt different, or who have something about them that makes them unique and different from most people around them.

Take this sweet girl, for example. Only 1-2% of the world’s population has red hair. And she is one of the blessed few… and this – the point of everything – her true beauty lies on the inside. Who she is. We’re so focussed on what we see. We miss the rest. The best.

My prayer is that this photographic journey would be one which stretches our concept of “average” and “normal” and helps us to courageously embrace and reach for more…different…unique…special and embrace them. That we would grow into enjoying others for who they are, instead of stuffing them into our boxes of what’s comfortable for us.

This is definitely one time of the year when we can take advantage of different opportunities around us to benefit the growth of our businesses. Problem is, there are SO MANY! The deluge of emails in my inbox started early and has stayed strong this year. Not only that, but Black “Friday” seems to have turned into Black Month.

Ugh.

So how do we take advantage without becoming completely overwhelmed or overspending?

I shared my strategy over at Light Inspired. Head on over and make a plan.

Excited to share that one of my little newborn clients is not only cute, but now he’s cute and famous ;) His beautiful image was published in a spread in the Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy magazine!

The editors at Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy Magazine are amazing – they manage to produce top quality, top notch issues time and time again. This month is no different! If you’re looking for some inspiration as a mom for Christmas, look no further! Recipes, guidance, gift ideas, and more. And every one of them is just brilliant! I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I’m getting excited for Christmas.

You can see it below, or on Issue, or find all the Beauty & Lifestyle Mommy goodness over at blmommy.com